Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) students had the chance to to express their creativity while celebrating Hispanic culture at the “Frida Kahlo Paint Night” event on Friday, Sept. 20. Hosted by El Centro in collaboration with the Makerspace, the event was a highlight of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Week at CSUMB.
In celebration of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the paint night brought students together for a lively, social evening filled with art and conversation. Participants gathered in the Makerspace, where they were provided with art supplies, refreshments and an evening dedicated to creativity. With Kahlo’s signature self-portraits as the inspiration for the night, students were encouraged to paint their own interpretations while enjoying the chill atmosphere.
“This event was inspired by Frida’s legacy as one of Mexico’s most renowned artists and feminist icons,” shared El Centro Student Lead Guadalupe Barraganone. “Her art, deeply rooted in Mexican culture, explores themes of personal expression, postcolonialism, gender, race, and class, blending indigenous traditions with European influences. Frida’s work resonates strongly with the Latinx community, and we wanted to celebrate her influence and the power of self-expression.”
Kahlo’s work, which is celebrated for its exploration of identity, gender, race and class, served as a fitting centerpiece for the event. Her influence, deeply connected to Mexican heritage, continues to resonate within the Latine community, making her the ideal muse for the evening’s celebration of art and culture.
The Makerspace buzzed with excitement as students gathered around tables, sketching, painting and chatting with one another. Though a guide was provided to help students recreate Kahlo-inspired portraits, participants were free to paint anything they felt inspired by. Coordinators said they were thrilled to see students take creative risks, with some stepping outside the lines and putting their unique spins on the theme.
“We wanted an event that encouraged creativity and allowed students to enjoy the healing power of art and culture,” Barraganone explained. “Frida once said, ‘They thought I was a surrealist, but I was not. I never painted dreams; I painted my reality.’ The choice of Frida felt natural, given her cultural impact and the way she continues to inspire students like myself.”
With around 30 students in attendance, the event quickly sold out, successfully blending art, culture and community. El Centro and the Makerspace hope to make Paint Night a recurring event during future HSI Week celebrations.